Stud Dogs in England

Each breed has specific health testing requirements under The Kennel Club’s Assured Breeder Scheme. Use PairMyPet to connect with stud owners whose dogs have completed breed-specific health screening.

Who Needs a Licence?

Under the LAIA 2018, you need a licence if you:

• Breed 3 or more litters in any 12-month period and sell any of the puppies
• Breed dogs commercially (i.e., breeding and selling puppies as a business)

Exemptions: Hobby breeders producing fewer than 3 litters per year who do not sell puppies commercially may not need a licence. However, local councils may interpret this differently, so always check with your local authority before breeding.

Licence Application & Inspection

To apply for a breeding licence:

1. Contact your local council’s licensing team
2. Complete the application form and pay the licensing fee (varies by council)
3. A council-appointed inspector will visit your premises to assess welfare standards
4. If approved, you will receive a licence with a star rating (1–5 stars)

Council licensing pages:

• South Derbyshire District Council
• Durham County Council
• Breckland Council

Welfare Standards (Licensed Breeders)

Licensed breeders must meet minimum welfare standards, including:

• Suitable living environment for all breeding dogs and puppies
• Adequate diet, exercise, and socialisation
• Protection from pain, suffering, injury, and disease
• Microchipping of all puppies before sale
• Record-keeping of all breeding activity, health checks, and sales

Licence Duration & Star Ratings

Licences are issued for 1, 2, or 3 years based on a star rating system:

• 1–2 stars: 1-year licence
• 3 stars: 2-year licence
• 4–5 stars: 3-year licence

Higher star ratings reflect better welfare standards and compliance history. Ratings are public and help puppy buyers identify responsible breeders.

Lucy’s Law (2020)

Lucy’s Law came into effect in April 2020 and made significant changes to how puppies (and kittens) are sold in England:

• All puppies must be sold directly by the breeder (not through third-party dealers or pet shops)
• The breeder must show the mother interacting with the puppies at the place of birth
• Anyone selling puppies under 6 months old without a licence is breaking the law

Lucy’s Law protects against puppy farming and ensures buyers know the origins of their puppy.

The Kennel Club Assured Breeder Scheme (Optional but Recommended)

The Assured Breeder Scheme is a voluntary certification programme that requires breeders to meet standards above and beyond the legal minimum. Participants must:

• Complete all breed-specific health tests recommended by The Kennel Club
• Follow socialisation and welfare guidelines
• Provide puppy packs and ongoing support to buyers
• Submit to regular inspections

Penalties for Unlicensed Breeding

Breeding without a licence when one is required is a criminal offence. Penalties include:

• Up to 6 months in prison
• An unlimited fine
• A breach of licence conditions can result in licence revocation, prosecution, or both

Maximise Your Stud’s Profile

• Health Testing: Highlight completed tests from The Kennel Club Assured Breeder Scheme. Mention hip/elbow scores, eye test results, and DNA tests.
• Pedigree & Titles: Include any show titles, working qualifications, or champion lineage.
• Clear Availability: State your preferred breeding season, AI capability, and travel willingness.
• Transparency on Fees: Post your stud fee upfront. Mention what’s included and travel expectations.

Responsible Breeding Checklist

Before accepting a breeding enquiry:

• Verify the Female: Ask for the female’s health test results, Kennel Club registration, and breeding history. Ensure she meets your breed’s health scheme requirements.
• Discuss Compatibility: Review pedigrees to assess genetic diversity. Avoid closely related pairings and discuss any known hereditary conditions in both lines.
• Review Licence Status: If either party breeds 3+ litters per year and sells puppies, a breeding licence is required. Confirm compliance before proceeding.
• Health Timeline: Ensure the female is within healthy breeding age (typically 2–8 years), has current vaccinations, and has been checked by a vet experienced in canine reproduction.
• Post-Breeding Support: Agree on what support you’ll provide after mating. This may include follow-up advice, puppy registration guidance, and communication during pregnancy.